SmartZip Analytics founder Frank Richards has been named the co-CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Mason-McDuffie Real Estate, and will run the company together with Chairman of the Board Ed Krafchow.

"Frank has led some of the most innovative initiatives in the real estate industry. His experience is invaluable to our organization, which is committed to evolving with the needs of agents and consumers," Krafchow said in a statement. "We welcome him with enthusiasm as the youngest CEO of a major real estate company in the U.S."

Mason-McDuffie announced last week that it was re-affiliating with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, ending a 13-year relationship with Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services Inc.